Government Digital Services Minister, Clare Curran, is welcoming Ministers
and senior officials from other world-leading digital nations to New
Zealand this week for the D5 Ministerial Summit.
“New Zealand, Estonia, Israel, South Korea and the UK make up the D5 and
delegations are here to share ideas, identify challenges and solutions, and
discuss important global issues such as digital rights, digital trade and
digital identity,” Ms Curran says.
“This is the fourth annual gathering of D5 countries and I’m delighted New
Zealand is hosting it for the first time.
“We’re making the most of the opportunity we have as host to promote New
Zealand as a digital leader and showcase the best digital innovations our
government agencies have created.
“Collaboration is key. None of us has all the answers and we need to work
together to come up with the best solutions to ensure we have thriving
digital nations.
“Here in New Zealand we want to close the digital divides by 2020, and to
make ICT the second largest contributor to GDP by 2025,” Ms Curran says.
“I believe all New Zealanders should be able to access digital
technologies, take advantage of the opportunities they offer and use them
to get more involved in the decision-making processes of government.
“Digital rights will be a key area of discussion at the Summit as we look
at common problems worldwide and how we’re working to address them.
“I’ll also beholding a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of
the D5 Nations and other overseas delegations.”
The Prime Minister will open the Digital Government Showcase tomorrow
featuring the best digital products and services created by government
agencies and their partners.
There’ll be 14 exhibits on display with virtual reality experiences, the
world’s first AI politician and online gaming designed to improve mental
health.
For a copy of the Minister’s speech to the Digital Nations conference
yesterday please go to:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/keynote-address-digital-nations-2030-conference

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have both received an apology
from officials following an administrative error with their accommodation
arrangements.
Department of Internal Affairs officials advised the Prime Minister and
Deputy Prime Minister late yesterday of the administrative error which has
seen them receive Wellington accommodation payments since they moved into
official residences. The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are the
only Ministers residing in official residences.
“As soon as we were advised of the error, we both immediately took steps to
reimburse the money. That has now happened,” said the Prime Minister and
Deputy Prime Minister.
“The error occurred when the DIA’s Ministerial Services continued to pay
each of us a Member of Parliament’s Wellington accommodation allowance
after they had moved us into official accommodation, at which point
payments should have stopped.”
DIA has acknowledged the Ministers did not seek to claim the allowances
which were incorrectly carried over during the executive transition with
the officials only recently realising the error.
Both Ministers have reimbursed the overpayments which cover the period from
late October to early February. Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern has repaid $12,082.19
and Rt Hon Winston Peters has repaid $9,123.29. The difference is explained
by the dates on which they moved into the properties.
“While mistakes happen, we have accepted the officials’ apology.
Appropriate use of taxpayer money is something we both take extremely
seriously, and we have set a high bar for ourselves and others.”

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New Zealands future mobility on the right track

A report from the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee confirms the
Government is on the right track to prepare New Zealand for the future of
mobility, Transport Minister Phil Twyford says.
The Government’s response to the report was presented to Parliament today
and highlights that 12 of 14 recommendations from the Select Committee are
already being implemented, and the Government is achieving the intent of
the remaining two.
The report investigated how changing transport technology, and social and
economic trends, can improve our mobility by enhancing productivity, social
connectedness and road safety, while reducing costs and the impact on the
environment.
“In most cases, these recommendations align with initiatives we’re either
already doing, planning, or considering as part of our current work
streams,” says Phil Twyford.
“The Government is determined to ensure New Zealand’s transport system
encourages all modes of transport. These recommendations back our
commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles, improving shared
mobility, encouraging walking and cycling, and ensuring the transport
system is accessible and safe for all users.

“I am very pleased to be able to say the future of New Zealand’s mobility
is on the right track and this Government will ensure this positive and
meaningful trajectory continues,” Phil Twyford says.

Businesses are being encouraged to adopt innovative technology that cuts
greenhouse gas emissions in a funding round announced by Energy and
Resources Minister Megan Woods today.
The funding support is offered as part of the Technology Demonstration
programme run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

“This Government has an ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by
2050. To help us achieve that, we want to do more to promote new
technologies that will help reduce carbon emissions as well as saving
energy.

“This funding round introduces new criteria to encourage larger scale
projects tackling process heat – the hot water and heating systems used in
manufacturing and other processes. Process heat accounts for 38% of New
Zealand’s energy use, with 72% of this from non-renewable sources such as
coal.

“Along with transport, reducing our use of fossil-fuelled process heat
offers one of the most effective ways for New Zealand to reduce its climate
change emissions.

“Innovative technology, such as high temperature industrial heat pumps, has
often already been commercialised overseas but is underused in New Zealand.
The new funding criteria will help early adopters work through the risks
and benefits, leading the way for wider uptake,” says Megan Woods.

To qualify for funding, projects must reduce energy intensity or greenhouse
gas emissions, have potential to be replicated on a large scale, and be
financially viable, with a reasonable payback period.

Businesses can apply for up to 40% of a project’s cost. The maximum
available is $250,000 for process heat projects, and $100,000 for other
projects.

Applications to the current funding round are open until Thursday 29 March.

For more information about the fund visit
www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/funding-and-support/technology-demonstration-projects/

Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods today opened the next round of
the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund for applications.

“Round four has funding of up to $4 million available.

“The Fund was established to encourage innovation and investment to
accelerate the uptake of low emission vehicles. It offers up to 50 per cent
funding for projects, with applicants required to match or exceed the
amounts granted.

“Since its launch in 2016, the Fund has invested in a total of 49 projects
(from 183 proposals).

“To date $10.1 million has been committed to a wide variety of projects,
with applicants committing to additional co-funding of $18.8 million to get
their projects off the ground,” Dr Woods said.

“A number of round one and two projects are already operational, while
others are expected to be fully completed in 2019, and a small number of
more complex projects due for completion in 2020.

“Meanwhile, work is commencing on round three projects as contracts are
finalised.

“The Fund has invested in 21 separate infrastructure projects to help
create a public network of charging stations throughout the country.
Electric vehicles can now travel from Cape Reinga to Bluff using any of the
124 public fast charging stations that are currently operational, with new
locations being added all the time.

“Other projects demonstrate how electric vehicles can be effective for a
wide range of uses – from public transport and vehicle sharing services to
light and heavy vehicle use. The Fund has also assisted organisations from
across a broad range of industries to go electric, from waste management to
manufacturing, courier and delivery services, vehicle rentals and tourism
operators.

“Another successful applicant from round three is MITO who will develop a
qualifications framework for the inspection, maintenance and servicing of
electric vehicles in New Zealand.
“The investment focus for round four will be same as the previous round
which encourages projects to fill key gaps in the charging network, and the
demonstration of light and heavy electric vehicles.
“While I expect to see proposals in round four that will continue our work
in these areas, I’m also looking forward to seeing applications from
innovative small businesses keen to embrace low emission vehicles.”

Applicants for the fourth funding round have until Wednesday, 11 April 2018
to submit their proposals to EECA.

Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran and
Disability Issues Minister Carmel Sepuloni today released a consultation
document on the Telecommunications Relay Service.
Telecommunications Relay Services provide a range of text and video based
telecommunications services free of charge to people who are Deaf,
hearing-impaired, deafblind and speech-impaired.
New Zealand has been recognised for its leadership on disability issues
internationally but there’s still a long way to go before all disabled
people enjoy a fully inclusive society that values them and enhances their
participation,” Ms Curran says.
“We compare favourably internationally in terms of the range of relay
services currently offered, and this consultation will help the service
evolve so it can continue to meet the needs of its users into the future.
“No two people with a disability are the same and the Government believes
disabled people should be supported to follow their dreams, make their own
choices, and to lead a quality life.
“There have been significant advances in communications technologies since
the service started in 2004, such as video applications, which have
increased the accessibility of traditional communications tools.
“We want to hear from people who use the service and other interested
stakeholders for their views on the future of relay services,” Ms Curran
says.
Ms Sepuloni says relay services are critical to ensuring Kiwis who use New
Zealand sign language, and people with additional communications needs, are
able to connect with voice telephone users and have access to equal work
and lifestyle opportunities.
“Relay services allow users to access telecommunication services on an
equal basis to other New Zealanders, and for NZSL users, the Video
Interpreting Service enables them to use sign language, as their preferred
language.
“This consultation is an opportunity for relay users – from the old to the
young – to give their feedback on how the service is meeting their
differing needs, and on how it might be improved in the future,” says Ms
Sepuloni.
The Cabinet paper on the Telecommunications Relay Service has been
proactively released and is at
http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/technology-communications/communications/telecommunications-relay-service/ .
You can view the announcement in NZSL at:
http://www.odi.govt.nz/whats-happening/relay-services-consultation
The consultation document and a NZSL video summary of the document is
available at
http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/technology-communications/communications/telecommunications-relay-service/.
Submissions, which can be presented either in written form or in NZSL, are
being sought by 13 April 2018.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will be holding public
consultation events in March, with NZSL interpreters and captioners, to
gather feedback on the consultation document.
Locations and dates will be posted on the MBIE website once they are
confirmed.

The University of Auckland has welcomed the appointment of a world leader
in Augmented Reality (AR), Professor Mark Billinghurst, to its
Entrepreneurial Universities programme, Minister of Education Chris Hipkins
announced today.
The Entrepreneurial Universities programme aims to bring world-leading
innovative academics with commercialisation experience and their teams here
to improve links between universities and industry and to develop New
Zealand’s pipeline of entrepreneurial students.
“Professor Billinghurst will lead a research team at the University’s
Auckland Bioengineering Institute.” Mr Hipkins said.
“Together they will continue their work on Empathic Computing and how AR
and Virtual Reality can be used to enhance face to face and remote
collaboration, further strengthening and growing New Zealand’s innovation
culture.
“New Zealand is a very attractive place for research but it’s an extremely
competitive environment and this scheme helps our universities to attract
global talent.
“World-leading academics will bring huge benefits in terms of their
knowledge and networks. Our undergraduates can learn from the best, and
innovative New Zealand firms can benefit from partnership opportunities
with the best of the best in their fields,” Mr Hipkins said.
Over the next three years, the initiative is expected to bring 15-20
world-leading researchers and their teams to New Zealand.
Biography of Professor Mark Billinghurst
Professor Billinghurst has over 20 years’ experience in the field of AR and
advanced computer interfaces. This comprises the development of
intellectual property, collaborating with industry, licensing and spinning
out companies, and venture capital investment.
Co-creator of the Augmented Reality tracking library, ARToolkit, Professor
Billinghurst’s open source software tools and applications have been
downloaded nearly one million times. He is the winner of numerous
prestigious global awards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New
Zealand.
He is both a leading AR academic researcher, CEO of an AR company Envisage
AR Ltd and actively involved in the AR investment community through
SuperVentures, a Silicon Valley based Venture Capital firm that focuses on
early stage AR and Virtual Reality (VR) companies.
Notes for editors:
Auckland Bioengineering Institute is a world leader in applying the
principles of engineering and mathematics to human physiology.
www.abi.auckland.ac.nz
ARToolkit is the world's most widely used open source tracking library for
augmented reality https://www.artoolkit.org/
Envisage AR Ltd is one of the first companies in the world to provide
collaborative Mixed Reality applications. https://envisage-ar.com/
SuperVentures, a Silicon Valley based Venture Capital firm focuses focus
entirely on early stage companies in the AR and VR space, and since opening
it has provided millions of dollars of funding into nine start-ups.

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OECD small business conference

Police and Small Business Minister Stuart Nash departs today for the United
States and Mexico to discuss mutual cooperation on law enforcement and
economic issues.
In Los Angeles and Mexico City he will meet federal and state officials to
discuss liaison arrangements for criminal investigations, efforts to combat
organised crime, and cooperation in other areas such as border protection
and counter-terrorism.
In Mexico City he will chair a session at an OECD conference and
participate in other discussions on strengthening frameworks for small
businesses. He will host a meeting of New Zealand business owners in the
city to discuss opportunities and challenges in the Latin American market.
He will also hold bilateral meetings with his ministerial counterparts from
Argentina and Mexico.
Mr Nash says the OECD Conference on Strengthening Small and Medium
Enterprises is a chance to discuss international policies to maximise the
contribution of SMEs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the New Zealand economy,” says Mr
Nash. “This particular conference is a chance to explore new and innovative
ideas with my counterparts overseas.
“I am interested in discussing how other countries support small businesses
in the regions to gain access to overseas markets. The Government has made
a commitment to New Zealand’s provinces. We want to help small businesses
thrive in order to grow local economies and provide jobs for local people.
“The Conference is a valuable way to learn from the successes and failures
of our OECD partners, and to ensure we have effective policies for small
businesses in New Zealand,” says Mr Nash.
Background:
The conference is organised by the OECD Working Party on SMEs. It will be
part of the OECD Bologna Process on SME and Entrepreneurship Policies and
builds on the Bologna SME Ministerial Conference in 2000 and the Istanbul
SME Ministerial Conference in 2004. The Bologna Charter provides a frame of
reference for the design of SME policies that contribute to economic growth
and social development. There are more than 80 economies around the world
at various levels of development involved in the Bologna Process.
There are 34 OECD member countries who meet in specialised committees to
advance ideas and review progress in specific policy areas, such as
economics, trade, science, employment, education or financial markets.
There are about 250 committees, working groups and expert groups. New
Zealand has belonged to the OECD since 1973.
New Zealand exported $474 million of goods and services to Mexico in 2017,
mostly milk powder and butter. Tourism is also considered a growth area.
Mexico is a valued partner for New Zealand in Latin America and a
like-minded member of the UN.